Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today felicitated Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and other Manipuri medallists and participants of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, 2026, who brought laurels to the state and the nation. He also distributed appointment letters to gold medallists of the 36th and 37th National Games at a programme held at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal.
The chief minister felicitated weightlifting Gold Medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu who came back to Imphal exclusively to attend today’s programme after taking a break from her hectic training schedule for the next Asian games.
He also felicitated silver medallist Chanambam Rishikanta Singh, the first male medallist in weightlifting in international arena from Manipur, who won silver medal in weightlifting in 60 kg weight category; Mayengbam Jadumani Singh, silver medallist in 55 kg weight category boxing and Sorokhaibam Bindyarani Devi, bronze medallist in 58 kg weight category women’s weightlifting.
While gold medallist was given a cash reward of Rs. 20 lakhs and a certificate of recognition, the silver medal winners were given cash reward of Rs. 15 lakhs each with a certificate. The bronze medallist was given a cash reward of Rs. 10 lakhs and a certificate. The participants of the Glasgow Games were given Rs. 4 lakhs each and a certificate.
The Chief Minister said that prize money of the commonwealth games medal winners and participants were enhanced this time to further motivate them.
He also felicitated the coaches who accompanied the athletes at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, 2026.
Khemchand Singh also handed over appointment letters to 71 National Games gold medallists from the 36th and 37th National Games for appointment as Physical Education Teachers under the Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Department. Appointment letters were also handed over to four athletes under Home Department and three Asian Games medallists under the Home Department.
The Chief Minister said that it was the sportspersons who brought positive impression about the State after the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, otherwise the people across the Country were only asking about Manipur’s law and order situation during the last three years.
Khemchand Singh said he was emotional today seeing the players as he was himself a sportsperson. It may be noted that he himself is a 5 Dan Black Belt Taekwondo player and was a pioneer of Taekwondo martial arts in the Northeast India.
The Chief Minister commended the efforts of the local clubs, family members and players for their achievements in their respective disciplines.
Khemchand Singh informed that a special recruitment policy for sportspersons who brought laurels to the State was formulated in the recently held Cabinet meeting. He maintained that under this policy, sportspersons would be recruited by the State Government with complete transparency and strictly on the basis of merit.
He added that, so far, only gold medallists were provided State Government jobs, but under the new policy, even silver and bronze medallists would be considered for availing State Government jobs.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho stated that Manipur is being blessed by God so much and we expect to contribute ourselves in many fields. He added, that the youths who are the achievers are doing well as per the will of God and God wants us, our Manipuri people to excel in sports and glorify our motherland.
Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Secretary of Manipur, expressed immense pride in honouring the outstanding achievement of our athletes who have represented Manipur and India with distinction at Glasglow Commonwealth Games 2026. Manipur is one of India’s leading sporting states consistently producing Olympians, National and International champions reflecting its strong sporting culture and spirit of excellence.
The programme organised by the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of Manipur, was attended by MLAs; Daljit Singh Chawdhary, Vice Chancellor of National Sports University; Secretary Youth Affairs & Sports; staffs; coaches; players among others.
